Summer Photo Session Ideas to have the whole family smiling effortlessly while having your memories documented!
Looking for creative and nostalgic summer photo session ideas in North Jersey? Discover fun-filled, activity-based sessions for families, maternity, newborns, engagements, and more with Ashley of Renee Ash Photography.
As a NJ Native I know well and good that summer in North New Jersey is a special kind of magic! We all look forward to the long summer days at the shore or by the many beaches. The long golden hours, the carefree spirit, the barefoot adventures, and the simple joys of being together. At Renee Ash Photography, I believe summer is the perfect backdrop for timeless, heartfelt photos. Whether you’re welcoming a new baby, celebrating love, or just want to freeze a sweet season in your family’s life, I’ve rounded up a bunch of outside-the-box summer session ideas for every stage and story. These are nostalgic, activity-based, and filled with sunshine and connection.
Let’s dive into the fun and do something that speaks to your family this summer!
Family Photo Session Ideas for Summer
1. Evening at the Lake
Think paddleboarding, boating at sunset skipping rocks, and sandy toes. Sessions at Greenwood Lake or Lake Mohawk or any of the smaller local lakes during golden hour are equal parts playful and peaceful.
2. Ice Cream Stop-In
Capture your crew sharing cones and laughter at your favorite local spot! Windy Brow Farms, Andersen Farms Sparta, or even the classic roadside stand. Drippy, sticky smiles encouraged.
3. Wildflower Mini Adventure
Chase butterflies and run barefoot through the wildflowers! Sussex County is full of dreamy spots for this like Dahlia farms in Lafayette, sunflower fields in Augusta or the meadows all over Sussex County!
4. Backyard Summer Evening
Capture your real life—sprinkler dances, kiddie pools, hammock cuddles, popsicles, and a game of tag as the sun sets behind your home. These make the sweetest “slice of life” albums.
5. Farmer’s Market Morning
Start with local produce shopping, then head to the picnic tables to snack and play. The Lafayette Village market is perfect, and we can end with some fun around the Shoppes.
Newborn Session Ideas for Summer
6. Breezy Front Porch Newborn Session
Skip the studio and let’s photograph your new baby wrapped in a muslin blanket with mama and dad on your porch, sipping iced coffee and soaking in the moment.
7. Garden Newborn Picnic
Use your backyard or a quiet park nook—think soft blankets under the trees, neutral swaddles, and gentle snuggles as big siblings blow bubbles or pick clover flowers.
8. Studio Session with Summer Whites
Prefer something clean and timeless? My all-white natural light studio in Lafayette is always an option, styled with simple summer textures like linen, cotton, and rattan for a warm-weather vibe.
Maternity Photo Session Ideas with Summer Glow
9. River Dip at Sunset
Let’s walk the trails Wawayanda State Park or High Point State Park and wade in the water at sunset with your bump and your partner, holding hands and laughing barefoot in the shallows.
10. Picnic in the Meadow
Lay out a blanket in the field, add a sun hat, a breezy dress, and a small picnic basket—think vintage romance.
11. Dahlia Farm Dreaminess
The scent, the color, the peace—maternity photos among the rows of flowers at a North Jersey dahlia farm are breathtaking and completely unique.
12. Classic Beach Maternity
Head to the Jersey Shore—baby bump, big hat, sheer dress blowing in the ocean breeze. Whether it’s Sandy Hook, Sea bright, Beach Haven, LBI NJ, or Spring Lake, the beach always tells a beautiful story.
Engagement Session Ideas for Summer Lovebirds
13. Canoe or Rowboat Love Story
Want a Notebook moment? Rent a canoe at Swartswood or Shepherd Lake and let me capture the quiet moments, the splashes, the kisses, and the laughter from the shore and water.
14. Carnival or County Fair Vibes
New Jersey State Fair? Ferris wheel kisses, cotton candy shares, and a little hand-holding between booths. These colorful, nostalgic sessions scream summer romance. Even if we can’t make the fair there are so many weekend carnivals throughout the summer or even the boardwalks down the New Jersey Shore.
15. Outdoor Movie Night
Bring a projector, a cozy setup, snacks, and string lights for a backyard movie night engagement session. Bonus points if we feature your favorite film or use your proposal story for inspo!
16. Rooftop or Downtown Sunset Walk
Let’s head to a charming downtown area like Morristown or Hackettstown, grab iced coffee, and stroll the streets as the sun goes down, capturing little touches and laughter.
Other Unique Summer Photo Session Ideas
17. Baby’s Firsts
First beach day, first watermelon, first pool float—summer is full of milestones. These mini sessions are ideal for documenting your baby’s growing personality in real life.
18. Multi-Generational Family BBQ
Hosting a backyard bash with grandparents, cousins, and games? I’ll document it all—genuine joy, connection, and candid summer memories that mean everything.
19. Dog Days of Summer
Bring your pups! We’ll do a lakeside fetch session, a splashy pool day, or a walk through the woods with your four-legged family members.
20. Summer Reading Session
Book-loving families will adore a session at the local library lawn or on a quilt with your current family faves. Storytime cuddles = perfect candids.
21. Campfire + S’mores
This one is right up my alley with my love for camping adventures! End-of-day sessions with marshmallows, glowing faces, cozy flannels, and fireflies? YES. These are magical for all ages—especially kids who love storytelling.
Why Summer Photo Sessions with Renee Ash Photography Are Different
Every session with me is relaxed, low-pressure, and focused on connection over perfection. Whether we’re in the studio or in a field, your story comes first. I offer wardrobe guidance and location scouting, and I know the best hidden gems in Sussex County NJ and beyond.
From morning light to golden hour to twilight stars, we’ll create artful, emotional photographs that feel exactly like your family right now.
📅 Ready to Book Your Summer Session?
Summer dates are filling quickly (especially weekend evenings!)so let’s make it happen. Whether you’re a family of four, expecting baby number two, recently engaged, or just want a little sunshine magic documented I’d love to help you remember this summer forever.
Reach out here to get started or email me at ashley@reneeash.com.
Let’s capture the heart of your summer.
Ashley - Renee Ash Photography
Ashley Schneider is a Sussex County NJ Master Family & Newborn photographer.
She offers maternity, lifestyle newborn, and family photography in her natural, joyful style. Clients love that not only do they get digital files from their session but artwork to display in their home. She loves to design custom wall art to show off your favorite photos!
Ashley serves Sussex county, Morris County, Sparta, Vernon, Lake Mohawk, Morristown and beyond!
